Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has undertaken a series of significant leadership changes, appointing Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff. These appointments occur amid an ongoing corruption investigation in the country and a strategic focus on defense and security during the ongoing conflict. Other key personnel changes include the nomination of a new defense minister and the appointment of a new head for the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Key Appointments and Resignations
Kyrylo Budanov Appointed Chief of Staff
President Zelensky has appointed Kyrylo Budanov, 39, as his new chief of staff. Mr. Budanov previously led the Hur military intelligence agency and, most recently, served as the foreign intelligence chief. President Zelensky stated that the appointment reflects Ukraine's need for "greater focus on security issues, the development of the defence and security forces of Ukraine, as well as on the diplomatic track of negotiations." He added that Mr. Budanov possesses specialist experience in these areas and the necessary capability to achieve results. The President has instructed the new chief of staff to update and present key documents concerning the strategic foundations of Ukraine's defense. The role of chief of presidential staff has historically been influential in Ukraine, extending beyond administrative functions to include significant political leverage.
Andriy Yermak's Resignation
Mr. Budanov succeeds Andriy Yermak, 54, who resigned from the chief of staff position on November 28. Mr. Yermak's departure followed a raid on his Kyiv residence by anti-corruption agencies. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) did not provide a public explanation for the search of his property, and Mr. Yermak has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing.
Context of Corruption Investigations
Mr. Yermak's resignation occurred during a period marked by an ongoing corruption investigation in Ukraine. Investigators have linked several public figures to an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme within the energy sector. This scheme reportedly involved kickbacks and influencing state-owned companies, including the state nuclear energy firm Enerhoatom. These corruption allegations have been referenced by Russian officials and have been noted as impacting Ukraine's internal stability and diplomatic efforts regarding a US-led draft peace plan.
Defense and Intelligence Leadership Changes
Mykhailo Fedorov Nominated as Defense Minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, 34, formerly the Minister of Digital Transformation, has been nominated as the new Defense Minister. Mr. Fedorov is recognized for developing the Diya digital government services platform and is now expected to focus on areas such as drone operator training.
Oleh Ivashchenko Appointed Foreign Intelligence Chief
Oleh Ivashchenko, 56, has been appointed to succeed Kyrylo Budanov as the foreign intelligence chief.
Security Service (SBU) Leadership Change
Serhiy Khmara Appointed SBU Head
President Zelensky has replaced Vasyl Malyuk as the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), appointing Serhiy Khmara to the position. This appointment requires confirmation by the Ukrainian parliament, and reports indicate that alternative options remain under consideration.
Vasyl Malyuk's Tenure and Departure
Mr. Malyuk had led the SBU since 2022. During his tenure, he was noted for overseeing operations against Russia and for efforts to address alleged Russian double agents within the SBU. The SBU is responsible for internal security and counter-intelligence and has engaged in operations inside Russia since 2022. In June, Mr. Malyuk coordinated the "Spider Web" operation, which involved over 100 Ukrainian drones striking air bases within Russian territory. Mr. Khmara was also involved in the preparation of this operation.
Mr. Malyuk's dismissal reportedly drew criticism within Ukraine, including from some military commanders, and reports indicated that Mr. Malyuk initially declined to step down voluntarily. Despite his removal as SBU chief, Mr. Malyuk has been requested to continue leading special operations against Russia. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine requires more "asymmetric operations against Russian forces" and that Mr. Malyuk is "best at this."
Serhiy Khmara's Background
Serhiy Khmara's appointment aims to address concerns regarding the SBU's future operational effectiveness. The SBU officially characterized Mr. Khmara as a decorated and "experienced special-purpose officer" involved in the liberation of the Kyiv region in 2022 and operations in the occupied Donetsk region. He previously headed Alpha, an elite SBU division.
Analyst Observations
Commenting on the SBU leadership change, Ivan Stupak, a former SBU operative, expressed that Mr. Khmara's experience might be limited to a specific area, questioning his readiness to manage the broader SBU. Mr. Stupak also suggested a connection between Mr. Malyuk's dismissal and Mr. Budanov's appointment, asserting that "Malyuk and Budanov are at loggerheads." In contrast, Oleksandr Notevskyi of the Ukrainian Center for Policy Development supported Mr. Khmara's appointment, citing his successes in heading Alpha and describing him as "young, experienced, [and] one of the authors of the Spider Web operation."
Broader Context and Commentary
Ukraine has faced challenges in conventional battlefield operations against Russian forces along the eastern front line, achieving more success through operations targeting infrastructure such as oil fields, weapons factories, and air bases. Oleksandr Notevskyi commented that the leader of the security service at this stage of the conflict should specialize in disrupting Russia's military capabilities within its own territory.
Many of President Zelensky's recent leadership changes have been a subject of commentary, with some observers raising concerns about their potential impact during the ongoing conflict.